Early next month, Doctors from the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice are inviting patients and community members in multiple communities across the region to “Walk with your Doc.”
Walk with your Doc welcomes all ages and abilities for a short 1-2 km walk (20 minutes) to promote the importance of physical activity for better health. And to keep track of their “steps to better health,” the first 25 participants in each community will receive a free pedometer.
“Physical activity has been proven in study after study to be one of the most important factors in maintaining good health,” said Dr. Lee MacKay, Board Chair of the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice. “Regular walking has been shown to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, reduce body fat, enhance mental well-being, increase bone density, help to prevent osteoporosis, help flexibility and coordination. It’s a pretty impressive list.”
The Kootenay Boundary Division of Family practice doctors is hosting walks in area communities.
In Castlegar, hosted by Doctor Ellen Smart, the after-work walk starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 at Millenium Park - meet at the gym equipment near the main parking lot.
People interested in walking should contact Anna Walker, awalker@divisionsbc.ca, for more information and to sign up.